Kobe’s big night keeps Lakers streaking, heads Thursday’s S&Ds

Bryant erupted for 28 points Thursday night to lead the Lakers to a 110-82 victory over Dallas. It’s the eighth straight victory for the defending champions and their 16th in 17 games since the All-Star break.

The game was marred by a couple of nasty altercations in the fourth quarter that resulted in five ejections.

Through all the extraneous action on the court, Bryant just kept on playing.

“This was a throw-back type of game,” Bryant told Agence France Presse. “If this was 1980s I am not sure we would not have had that many type of ejections… just take the ball out and keep playing.

“This is a team we could see in post-season so it was important to come out and send a message.”

Which they did as they sent the Mavericks crashing to their largest margin of defeat in the seaon.

Bryant’s big night boosted him to the top of Thursday’s Studs and Duds as the Lakers just keep on winning.

STUDS

Los Angeles Lakers G Kobe Bryant: Blistered Dallas for 28 points, five rebounds, four assists, two steals and was plus-15 in the Lakers’ 110-82 victory over the Mavericks — their eighth straight victory and 16th in 17 games since the All-Star break.

Boston G Rajon Rondo: Produced 22 points, 14 assists, five rebounds and no turnovers and was plus-10 in the Celtics’ 107-97 victory over San Antonio.

Boston F Paul Pierce: Filled the stat sheet with 21 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists and was plus-11 in the Celtics’ victory over the Spurs to sweep the season series with them.

Boston F Kevin Garnett: Notched 20 points on 9-for-12 shooting, added nine rebounds and was plus-7 in the Celtics’ win at San Antonio.

Los Angeles Lakers F Lamar Odom: Came off the bench to score 16 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and was a team-best plus-24 in the Lakers’ victory over the Mavericks.

Dallas F Dirk Nowitzki: Tallied 27 points and a team-best 13 rebounds in the Mavericks’ loss at the Lakers.

San Antonio G Tony Parker: Went for 23 points, eight rebounds and two steals in the Spurs’ loss to Celtics.

San Antonio F Tim Duncan: Tallied 20 points, 13 rebounds, three assists and two blocked shots in the Spurs’ loss to Boston.

DUDS

Dallas G Jason Terry: Clanked through a 2-for-9 shooting night for only five points, was minus-11 and ejected after a fracas with Matt Barnes in the Mavericks’ loss to the Lakers.

San Antonio G Manu Ginobili: Went for 4-for-13 from the field and was limited to nine points in the Spurs’ loss to Boston. It’s their fifth straight loss — the longest losing streak since drafting Tim Duncan.

San Antonio G Gary Neal: Struggled through a 4-for-12 shooting effort and was limited to eight points in the Spurs’ defeat to the Celtics. Neal is 7-for-26 from the field in his last two games.